The Lake Placid Police Department has announced the promotions of three officers. Sergeant Mark Schneider was promoted to lieutenant, Officer Heather Mulligan is now a sergeant, and Officer Stuart Troutman was recognized as a Master Police Officer.

The three were honored at a Nov. 4 ceremony at Lake Placid Town Hall.

“It is an honor to award hard working officers,” said Chief James Fansler. “I am proud to work with each and every officer that works at the Lake Placid Police Department.”

Schneider has taken several supervisor courses, including the most recent course of Officer Discipline, giving him insight on the proper ways to conduct internal investigations. “This is very important to both the officers and the department,” Fansler said.

“In addition to the extensive law enforcement related education Schneider has obtained, I have witnessed him take on many adversities head-on and handle them extraordinarily,” Fansler said. “I have seen him managed by different supervisors with completely different styles of management and remain professional.”

Over the years, Schneider has helped train many police officers, including Fansler when he was, himself, a rookie. “(He) has and holds the respect of his peers. These attributes are the epitome of leadership,” the chief said of the new lieutenant.

In addition to a new badge reflecting his promotion, Schneider was presented a certificate of appreciation for his commitment to the police department.

Heather Mulligan

During her tenure with the LPPD, Mulligan has taken positive opportunities to advance her career, Fansler said. She assumed the duties of Code Enforcement Officer in 2010 but has maintained her drive as a law enforcement officer in a dual position.

“Officer Mulligan has done an excellent job of keeping the town codes enforced; thereby keeping the town looking good,” Fansler said. “(She) has also done an excellent job assisting in the patrol functions, covering shifts when requested and backing up officers when available.

Most recently, Mulligan took on a new challenge of responding to crime scenes.

“With all that officer Mulligan does as a Code Enforcement Officer and Law Enforcement Officer, she still finds time to assist in many bike rodeos, and other special events around the county,” Fansler said. She took initiative in becoming a certified Child Safety Seat technician to assist the public in making child transportation safer. “These are all qualities of a great public servant and a great leader,” Fansler said.

Mulligan’s promotion makes her the first woman to hold the rank of sergeant at the police department.

Stuart Troutman

Officer Stuart Troutman received the designation of Master Police Officer. That recognition came just weeks after his third anniversary with the department. Officer Troutman exceeds the department policy required 160 hours of additional training to become Master Police Officer by nearly double.

“He has maintained a professional character while serving as a law enforcement officer for the Town of Lake Placid,” Fansler said.